October 5th: the night before the anticipated Homecoming dance, the night of the fated Homecoming game, and, last but not least, the night of the festive Homecoming parade. Right before the game, participating clubs get a chance to showcase their hard work by decorating a trailer, passing out sugary sweets, and, well, parading around the perimeter of the school. Two loops around the school later and the parade successfully completes its job: to raise everyone’s school spirit.  The theme and student variety changes every year, yet one thing remains constant: the onslaught of preparations.

The floats, which stem from a variety of clubs ranging from orchestra to DECA, are all fund-raised, prepared, and created by the students. Their hard work and dedication is what makes the Homecoming parade so enjoyable for everyone.

Contrary to what some may think, the students don’t get any time to work on their projects during school; usually, students have to find their own time to collaborate with one another in order to get the float done before 5:45 on October 5th.

Considering every single float delivers bursts of creativity and creations of artistry, there’s no doubt that these students are getting the job done, but how are they keeping afloat in school?  Whether it’s an academic or AP level, all classes at North Allegheny are rigorous to the student, so there’s bound to be some added stress as Homecoming weekend approaches.

“It’s hard to juggle schoolwork with parade prep,” Jessie Conway of the Marching Band said. “It’s totally worth it, though. Working on such a fun project with my friends makes staying up a little later for homework not as bad.”

To spend so much of their precious time on a one-shot opportunity means that parade participants are, of course, focused on making the float look stunning. Whether it’s a Shrek-themed float with a large “GET OUT ME SWAMP” sign or an elegant mock-scene from Into the Woods, one thing for certain is that all of the floats are remarkable. So, if everyone is exerting the same effort, how on earth can there even be ranked winners?

“I think, between all of the craziness, the students get wrapped up in the appearance of the float,” StuCo adviser Mrs. Hawbaker said. “Sure, we give prizes for the ‘best floats’, which are decided by randomly-chosen spectators.  However, the appearance of a float means nothing if the kids standing on it aren’t celebrating. I, as well as the hundreds of spectators that witness the parade, agree the best floats and displays are the ones being supported by smiling faces. The best Homecoming floats are the ones where the students come together and enjoy themselves.”

Mrs. Hawbaker also brought up the charming community aspect of building a float. Having the students come together for one common goal, she said, really accentuates the importance of teamwork and encourages students to reach out to one another.

“Watching everyone come together was something that really surprised me,” Mary Katherine Stewart, the co-leader of the chorus Homecoming float, reported. “I saw at our first meeting how everyone just mingled and agreed to work together!”

NA students have always had a knack for overachieving, which means every year the floats just keep getting better and better. Not only that, but every year more and more people come to the Homecoming parade in order to enjoy the students’ hard work and celebrate the Tigers!

Whether one is a student, teacher, or spectator, one thing remains certain: the Homecoming parade brings everyone together.